Hexagonal Lithophane Picture

thingiverse

**PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ZIP UNDER FILES INSTEAD OF USING THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON** This is an adaptation of my **Hexaleaf design** https://thingiverse.com/thing:5154193 and inspired by https://thingiverse.com/thing:4761713 . The hexagonal Lithophane has the same size as the panels used in my previous design, so you can use them for the Hexaleaf design. Step 1: Creating the **Lithophane** First you have to find a good Picture you want to turn into one. I tried **nature** and **portrait** pictures and both worked really well. I uploaded the picture to https://tool.itslitho.com/ and created a **rectangular lithophane**. You can adjust multiple settings though I mainly used the presets. I played around with the resolution to get the best one I was able to handle. The resulting file size was just under 1 GB. I then used the free program **blender** to cut out the **hexagonal shape**. https://thingiverse.com/gubutek created a very nice **tutorial** for it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MJjva_eWyg8 I left the required blender file in the downloads. Since my filesize was quite large, it took a couple of minutes to do so. Step 2: **Printing** For the Lithophane I used a layer height of 0,08 mm. The print time was about 18 hours. All other pieces were printed with a layer height of 0,2 mm. I endorse you to **create** your own **Bottom Piece Cover** with your program of choice. The size is 100x36x2 mm with a text height of additional 1,5 mm. I added a customizable version but the options arent great. Step 3: **Programming** I am using **WS2812** LED Strips and a **WEMOS D1 Mini**, this is a **WiFi** controlled **ESP8266** variant. To control the LEDs I am using the **WLED Project**. They offer easy Set-Up and customization of your LED Projects. For a full **documentation** check out https://kno.wled.ge . Here I basically just used the **quick install** site https://install.wled.me/ and left the WiFi controlled settings to mostly their default. Step 4: **Assembly** I used 60 cm of **WS2812** LED Strips that I soldered to a wire with a pin connector. The programmed **WEMOS D1 Mini** was also soldered to some wire. Notice that I use the RX/GPIO3 Pin instead of D4/GPIO2 to eliminate flickering problems. I am powering the Light per Micro-USB. In case you want to use a different power source, there is enough room to include a Step-Down-Converter. The LEDs can be slotted into position without using their sticky tape. To enhance light homogeneity I glued some aluminium foil to a piece of cardboard and stuck it to the backside of the panel. The Lithophane and Cover is press-fitted in place. In case of maintenance they can both be easily removed. **This makes for an excellent gift. Happy Printing!**